My 5 year old is to have 2 teeth removed.

[Teensy]

I have just returned from the dentist and have been told that my 5year old needs to have two back teeth removed. We have had problems with these back teeth for a while now and though we meticulously look after his teeth and his diet is the same as his younger brother (whose teeth are perfect) they have decayed badly. Has anyone else had to go through this? I am terrified for him - the dentist has recommended local anaesthetic and if we choose general they would probably take out 4 teeth! He has appointment next week for a local anaesthetic and to have 1 or mayne 2 removed at the same time I am so worried for my little boy, but he seems ok about it....

Milk teeth can sometimes be a bit crap - no-one's fault. Dd has had a few milk teeth removed under local, the roots aren't deep so the lovely dentist more or less flicked them out. Don't beat yourself up over this.

Thank you so much for that. That has made me feel a bit better. Have been a bit emotionally since I found out! Hate to think of my wee boy having to go through this, when it could be my fault.

Does he brush his teeth by himself? If so, it might be worth getting some of those tablets which show up plaque so you can see where he - or you - might be missing with the brushing.

If he drinks fruit juice (this is the only way I can get vitamin C into DD) then make sure he uses a straw. DD has much fewer sweets than many of her cavity free friends but, like I said, some people just have weaker milk teeth than others.

And, honestly, DD was completely unfazed by the extractions and our dentist did not make me feel like the Worst Mum in the World like some MNetters might think It's important that you don't project your feelings onto your DS, then he'll take it in his stride and not feel as though he has done something wrong.

I read somewhere that teeth can only take 3 sugar hits a day and it's best if this happens when they're eating a meal so the saliva produced by chewing neutralises the acid. DD gets a treat in her lunchbox and I try to include cheese in her lunch as this help combat the sugar hit.

Remember fruit is loaded with sugar so limit the snacking on fruit in between meals - including dried fruit and keep an eye on the sugar content of kids' yoghurts.

And teeth are more vulnerable to acid as the day progresses so avoid sugar later in the day.

Here endeth the sermon

That was really interesting, thank you Caroline.

OP, they are just milk teeth, it's the next ones we all need to worry about! My DD cracked her front tooth slightly and I was beside myself.

The dentist said it didn't matter in the least. Milk teeth are milk teeth.

I understand why you are upset though.

Listen to Caolines advice!

Caroline - thanks so much for taking the time to write that, I really appreciate that! I brush his teeth myself as I have always been told that we should - we actually let them brush and then we do "super check" which is either myself or my husband giving them a proper clean at the back. Your advice is great! I find it frustrating as we are always careful and I really dont think either of my boys get as many sweeties as some and all they pnly have water to drink during the day with non concentrate juice or milk for breakfast. Thanks again both